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kolotweets December 9, 2009 8:35 AM

I thought it was obvious Mercedes wanted Vettel.

They are making an All German team, after all.

So who is the best German Driver? Seb Vettel.

I did think it was going to take a couple of years for the move to happen though.

It's up to RedBull and whether they value a Merc-powered/Nick Heidfeld driven car over a proven Renault-powered/Seb Vettel combination?

Having said that, there are other drivers out there and Webber also proved he can win too, maybe he'll be there number one pilot.

Chunkster December 9, 2009 9:27 AM

Seb Vettel is the real deal.

The added bonus is that he's a funny guy with some personality.

I don't mind either Nick Heidfeld or Seb Vettel driving the silver cars next year.

ryaner December 9, 2009 9:50 AM

I agree with  chunkster. I think S.Vettel is phenomenal driver, and is as good as anyone out there on his day. I was cheering for him all year.

But like tolotweet, I presumed Mercs desire to sign him was common knowledge. I just presumed it would happen after this season.

Either way, I hope he gets the car he deserve with a bit more reliability, (admittedly, the Red Bulls were quick this year, but look at his retirement record).

Vidge 123 December 9, 2009 10:03 AM

Wont happen i dont think,

The Merc have the capasity to supply another team, but part of the deal they have with Mclaren is that Mclaren can veto any engine deal, which is exactly what they did.

so unless Mercedes offer Mclaren something then Redbull will definately NOT have merc engines next year.

amble December 9, 2009 10:05 AM

I agree with above.  Think Vettel is probably the only real match for Hamilton out there at the moment.  

I'm sure we'll see him in a Merc soon but not sure Red Bull will be too keen to let him go for next year and I'm not sure the move make sense for Vettel either.  Adrian Newey designed a good car for them this year and they nearly stole the titles from Brawn.  Red Bull, Vettel and Newey look like serious contenders in 2010 - it doesn't make sense to break that up.

Broom Broom December 9, 2009 10:37 AM

I think Vettel is more than just a match for Hamilton; he has the potential to become a match for Schumacher.

This is an interesting point brought up by Jim Holder, and one that completely passed me by, as I assumed Red Bull was set fair for 2010 despite the engine wrangles.

I had focused on Mercedes adding Kubica into their equations, but if there is any option on Vettel, it's obvious that his move to Mercedes would be almost equally as valuable as attaining Schumacher.

It certainly will be a huge gripe for Mercedes-Benz that McLaren has blocked Red Bull's use of Mercedes engines, as they will want Vettel associated with their brand as soon as possible. If they could steal him away to their manufacturer team now, it would be a huge political coup that would have them sniggering into their cuffs.

If Schumacher's drive - which is the best option - fails to materialise, then it would be a dream (although a pipe-dream) to see Vettel take Adrian Newey across to Mercedes, as the intensity of genius within that team would then be overwhelming.

MattDB December 9, 2009 11:20 AM

Hopefully, the game of musical chairs surrounding Mercedes will keep them and all vacant drivers very busy over the next month, so that McLaren can carry on and build a top notch car for JButton and Hamilton to fight for the championship in.

By the way for all of those calling the Mercedes team German, can I remind you that the team is British as it an evolution of the former Tyrell team, the engine is British as this is an evolution of Ilmore engineering, Ross Brawn is from Manchester, retty much all the staff at the team are also Brits.  To put it bluntly, they have less German in their DNA than the British royal family.

Eddie79 December 9, 2009 12:10 PM

Hmmm, not convinced by this train of thought.

Red Bull aren't exactly strapped for cash. They have the largest budget on the pit lane. So, push comes to shove you plonk a Ferrari Engine in the back. Torro Rosso had them after all.

Heidfeld is not blessed with blistering pace, but is consistent. Rosberg doesn't strike me as a no.1 driver, so would assume the other individual will be a leader.

Question, would you trade in one of the best drivers (with sponsorship potentia, ideal fit for Red Bull Brandl) on the grid for 10hp. The reliability debate is a thin one, as this can be solved, the displacement hasn't changed and so the new engines will be evolutions of the past season.

I think it will be a big suprise if it happens, and if it does, won' be suprised to see Kubica in a Red Bull , with a year to prove whether he can partner Raikkonen. This would put Webber under pressure.

As for Mercedes being German, I doubt whether Brackley in Northants will be flying a German flag on the roof...that is if they remain there??? I suppose it is the same as Toyota in Cologne, and Honda who were previous owners of the site at Brackley being Japanese.

Schmuacher return: Only if he feels it will be fun, competitive, and if he feels a debt of gratitude to the manufacturer that started his career; Mercedes. He has nothing to prove, and is not short of money.

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